Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY231388 Unique Reference Number 19 April 2006 Inspection date Rachel Edwards Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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ABOUT THIS INSPECTION

The purpose of this inspection is to assure government, parents and the public of the quality of childcare and, if applicable, of nursery education. The inspection was carried out under Part XA Children Act 1989 as introduced by the Care Standards Act 2000 and, where nursery education is provided, under Schedule 26 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. This report details the main strengths and any areas for improvement identified during the inspection. The judgements included in the report are made in relation to the outcomes for children set out in the Children Act 2004; the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding; and, where nursery education is provided, the Curriculum guidance for the foundation stage. The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration or 1 April 2004 whichever is the later.

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

For more information about early years inspections, please see the booklet Are you ready for your inspection? which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since 2003.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

She lives with her partner and three children aged 3, 7 and 10 years in a house in Marlborough. There are shops, schools and parks within walking distance of the home. Only the ground floor is used for childminding, except for the upstairs bathroom. Currently the rear garden is not included in the registration but the childminder provides the children with other opportunities for regular outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The family have a selection of fish and a pet rabbit.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for 4 children under 8 years. The registration does not include over night care. She currently cares for 5 children, who attend part-time and are all under 6 years.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 The childminder regularly attends the local toddler group and helps run the music group for young children. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a generally clean home. The childminder generally follows effective procedures to protect children from the risk of illness and infection. She is meticulous when cleaning food preparation and serving areas; she involves children in helping with this, so that they learn the importance of good hygiene. Even the youngest children are taught to thoroughly wash and dry their hands. The childminder is careful to wash her hands after blowing each child's nose; this good practice significantly reduces the risk of cross infection. Children learn about keeping healthy, for example, they share a story about visiting the dentist and talk about caring for their teeth.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder occasionally takes children to a local farm, children enjoy and benefit from this worthwhile experience. However, the childminder is not fully aware of the risks to children's health from contact with farm animals and the sensible precautions she should take to protect them.

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Helping children to be healthy

Any accidents are recorded and the parents informed. The childminder has a current first aid certificate and knows what to do in the event of an accident.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy and benefit from a range of healthy and nutritious snacks, including plenty of fruit and vegetables, which the childminder provides. The children learn about healthy foods, for example, that give them 'big strong muscles'. This positive approach encourages them to eat well and try new tastes. Children have access to drinking water at all times. The childminder works closely with parents to ensure that children's dietary needs are well met; for example, they discuss ways of encouraging children to eat a wider range of healthy foods.

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Helping children to be healthy

Although the garden is not currently included in the registration, the childminder makes other arrangements to ensure that children are physically very active. For example, they walk to local toddler groups, the school, into town or to feed the ducks. They have good opportunities to run in the park or quiet lanes and to play on large equipment, helping develop physical strength and control; the childminder has a buggy for children needing a rest. These enjoyable experiences contribute to children's good health and encourage them to adopt a healthy lifestyle.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder has a good awareness of safety. She has identified most hazards in her home and on outings and has taken steps to minimise them. She uses cupboard locks to protect children from dangerous substances; there are safety gates to prevent unsupervised access to the stairs or the kitchen whilst she cooks. Door jams prevent trapped fingers and covers prevent children from touching electrical sockets. Smoke detectors are tested weekly and older children

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 are taught how to leave in an emergency. She is well prepared with a mobile phone on her at all times and contact lists readily accessible by the front and back doors. The childminder consistently teaches children how to keep themselves safe, for example, when walking near traffic. She helps them develop confidence and responsibility by gradually allowing more freedom. The rear door is locked, which prevents children from going into the unsafe back garden. Although the front door is not secured children are well supervised at all times so could not leave the house, and an unwanted visitor could not enter unnoticed.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues. She informs parents of her responsibilities and would act in the children's best interests if she had concerns for their welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, settled and enjoy the time they spend with the childminder. They take part in a wide range of interesting and worthwhile activities, both inside and outside the home. The childminder spends a great deal of time talking to and playing with the children. She helps them learn and make good progress in all areas of their development. For example, children enjoy snuggling up for a story; they are fully involved pointing out pictures and guessing what will happen next. The childminder supports young children's language skills very well. She listens attentively and responds to their attempts to communicate. She encourages children to listen carefully to words so that they begin to hear the sounds, for example, at the start of their name.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Music plays an important part in most days. Children join in enthusiastically with action songs and listen to a range of music. They benefit from attending a weekly toddler music session, which the childminder helps to run. There is a good range of well chosen toys. These are stored in the play areas so that children can choose what they want to play with; this allows them to follow their own interests and develop independence. Children of all ages take part in art and craft activities. Examples of their work are attractively displayed, which helps them understand that their achievements are valued and so raises their self esteem.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's learning and enjoyment are enhanced by the regular interesting outings. They frequently walk into the local town where they might visit the market, library, fire station, shops or park to play and feed the ducks.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are made to feel welcome in this homely environment. The childminder keeps parents well informed about the care she provides; she shares a range of written policies and procedures, offers written daily diaries for the youngest children, has written agreements with all parents and spends time each day talking to parents about their child's day. She clearly informs parents of how to contact Ofsted. However, she does not have a complaints policy that

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 complies with recent changes to regulations. She regularly exchanges information with parents so that she is able to fully meet children's individual needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well. The childminder helps the youngest children learn to share and take turns. They develop responsibility and an awareness of the needs of others as they help with routine jobs such as tidying up, laying the table and watering the plants.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn to respect others and value differences through playing with toys that positively reflect diversity and by taking part in planned activities. For example, they researched the Chinese New Year on the internet, tasted oriental foods and took part in themed craft activities that helped increase their awareness of other cultures. They learn a great deal about their local community as they regularly walk into the town and use local services such as the library, bus and shops. They have frequent opportunities to socialise with other adults and children through attending music and toddler groups each week.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is committed to continued improvement and development. She regularly attends relevant training and enjoys meeting with other childminders and sharing aspects of good practice. She actively seeks feedback from parents about the care she provides. This positive approach helps her develop the already good standard of care she provides.

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Organisation

The childminder organises her daily routine well to take account of children's needs and interests. She organises her home so there is room for messy play, a quiet place to rest and plenty of floor space for games and musical activities.

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Organisation

All the required documentation is in place which contributes to children's health, safety and well-being. There is an effective partnership with parents, which means that the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder was asked to follow hygienic procedures for hand drying. Children's hands are now dried on individual towels, which reduces the risk of cross infection. She was asked to ensure the sitting room was at a comfortable temperature. She now uses a thermometer to monitor the temperature in the house so that the room can be kept at a comfortable temperature. She was asked to make sure the laminate flooring was not a hazard for children. She now uses a large mat, which is more comfortable for the children when playing on the floor and reduces the risk of slipping. The childminder was asked to obtain parent's written permission to seek emergency medical treatment, if it should be necessary. She now has this, which ensures that parent's wishes are followed regarding the care of their children.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

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Complaints since the last inspection

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 The childminder is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other then those made to Ofsted.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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The quality and standards of the care

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • when visiting the farm ensure that adequate precautions are taken to minimise the risk to children of cross infection from animals • devise and implement a complaints procedure that complies with the Children's Act regulation, enacted on 03/10/2006 and share this with parents

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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The quality and standards of the care

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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